Preparing for emergencies
A simple plan of what to do in an emergency can make a big difference to how well you and your family respond. Thinking about what you need to do will reduce the response time on the day.
Quick household health check
- do you know where the gas and water shut off taps are
- do you have sufficient insurance cover for your property and content
- do you know where the electric fuse box
- do you have smoke detectors fitted
- does your community have an emergency plan
- are there any risks to your property such as flooding
Who can help and who needs help
- if you can't get home or contact each other, a pre-arranged contact and emergency meeting point is useful
- is there somewhere you can stay overnight if you can't get home
- if you can't get home or make contact, agree who you will leave a message with
- who can collect the children from school
- do you have a list of neighbours who may need assistance during an emergency
Important phone numbers (for Police, Fire and Ambulance please call 999 or 101)
Make a list of useful numbers that may help in an emergency
- medical centre
- gas
- electric
- water
- schools
- vet / kennel / cattery
- insurance (home / car)
- Parish council
- local authority helpline
Emergencies kit bag (grab bag)
Just like having a first aid kit in your home, having an emergency kit will put the tools you need at your fingertips.
An emergency kit bag or grab bag should contain essential information and items. It should be small, waterproof, kept in a safe place and be easy to find. Consider including these items in your emergency kit bag:
- essential information and telephone numbers
- first aid kit
- wind up torch
- radio and spare batteries
- details of prescription medicines
- bottled water
- spare glasses/contact lenses
- long life snacks
- mobile phone charger
- spare house and car keys
- toiletries
- money and credit/debit cards
- infant formula and nappies/wipes
- whistle
- pencil and paper
- important documents/personal identification/insurance details
Taking care of pets
- have supplies of food available and in your grab bag
- take a spare lead and any toys that may help keep your pet occupied
- ensure your pet can be identified by a tag or label
- arrange for friends or relatives to look after pets if you can't
- pets may not be allowed into rest centres so if you have a pet consider alternative places your pet can stay
- carry a photo of your pet to help identify them if you get separated
Responding to an emergency
People who believe they may possibly be affected by the incident should follow the standard advice.
Go in - find a safe place of shelter
Stay in - until told what to do next; and
Tune in - check local radio, television and social media for info and advice.
Emergency check list
- call Emergency Services if required
- tune into radio for additional information
- contact householders
- do children need picking up
- do you need to activate alternate accommodations
- if evacuating collect your grab bag